Glaciers, rainforests, and the Northern lights. Enormous lakes, pristine rivers, and the savage ocean. You can see all of this in one trip to Alaska. There is a big chance of spotting a variety of wild animals too, such as wolves, bears, moose, humpback whales, or beavers.
Camping in Alaska is as diverse as its nature itself. Whether you prefer ocean views, remote background tent sites, or glamping. This immense state has it all.
Note that most of the campgrounds only operate during the summer season. We always recommend reaching out to the campground or checking for updates online before starting your trip.
Big Bear Campground and RV Park
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 745-7445
Address: 2010 S Church St, Palmer, AK 99645, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Pet-friendly
- Convenient location
- Mountain views
Located in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley, this family campground is best for those wishing to explore the surroundings. Big Bear Campground and RV Park is just a short drive from the cities of Palmer and Wasilla. It provides spectacular views of the adjacent mountains and the area.
You can conveniently visit Alaska Native Heritage Centre, Independence Mine State Historical Park, Reindeer Farm, or Mux Ox Farm. For entertainment, there is Alaska State Fair every year at the end of summer nearby.
The campground has 47 RV sites, 6 tent sites, and 6 wooden cabins. A fire ring and a picnic table are provided at each of them. There is also a playground and a horseshoe pit right in the middle of the camping.
The RV sites should fit every kind of vehicle, as you can choose from various pull-throughs and back-ins with a 30/50 amp service. Some of the sites are even big rig-friendly.
Overnight rates start at USD$ 45.
Chena Lakes Recreation Area
CENTRAL ALASKA
Phone: (907) 488-1655
Address: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Northern lights
If you’re in search of the best place to camp in Alaska and view the Northern lights, look no further. Chena Lake Recreation Area is a fantastic option. Also, it’s conveniently located near the city of Fairbanks known for its rich history, prime dining, and top-class accommodation.
Chena Lake Recreation Area consists of two campgrounds – the Lake Park Campground which consists of 45 campsites and the River Park Campground featuring 35 sites. Most of them are designated for RVs, however, some of them are available for tents only.
Facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and firewood. There are also playgrounds, a basketball court, boat rentals, and picnic areas. In summer, you can enjoy swimming in the lake, too.
Overnight rates start at USD$ 30.
Homer Spit Campground
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 235-8206
Address: 4535 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Pet-friendly
Based right in the center of Homer Spit, this campground is a perfect base for those exploring Kachemak Bay and the areas. It offers both primitive tent camping for lone backpackers and full hook-up sites for up to 40 ft long motorhomes. Amenities include showers, restrooms, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.
Beachcomb the seashore, have a bite to eat in one of Spit’s restaurants, or set off a chartered boat expedition. The area is also a fantastic place for halibut and salmon fishing. Don’t have a pole? Don’t worry. The campground has you covered.
Art lovers will surely enjoy the plentiful shops and galleries in Homer. During the summer season, theater fans can take in a play at Pier One Theater too.
Prices start at USD$ 30 per night. Don’t forget that Homer Spit can get very wet and windy, so better pack your waterproof windbreaker.
Eagle River Campground
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 269-8400
Address: Eagle River, AK 99577, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking
Located along the beautiful Eagle River, this campground features plenty of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing. If you are lucky, you can spot a beaver dam in the river. Also, an occasional moose or a bear might wander through. So be aware and don’t leave any food around. The Downtown Eagle River is just a five-minute walk from the camping, and it provides all the amenities of a small town.
Eagle River Campground itself has 57 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, water, latrines, and flush toilets. It can accommodate tents, as well as large vehicles. Moreover, there is an overflow camping area of 10 sites.
The campground usually operates from May to September, depending on the weather. Reservations can be made by phone or online up to one year in advance. The rates are affordable too, just USD$ 20 per night.
Eklutna Lake Campground
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 345-5014
Address: Mile 10, 39370 Eklutna Lake Rd, Chugiak, AK 99567, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Horseback riding
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Boating
- ATV riding
Eklutna Lake Campground features 50 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, latrines, and water. Moreover, it has 15 sites in the overflow area. There is also a picnic shelter to hide in during bad weather. A designated camping and picnic sector for large groups is available too.
During summer, you can enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ATVs. Furthermore, Eklutna Lake provides various water-based activities, such as fishing, boating, or kayaking. For wildlife viewing, there are interpretive displays and a telescope near the trailhead by the parking area.
On the other hand, the winter season brings the opportunity for you to try cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even the worldwide-known Alaskan dog mushing.
The nightly price per site is USD$ 20.
Tok RV Village Campground & Cabins
EASTERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 883-5877
Address: 1313.4 Alaska Hwy, Tok, AK 99780, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Hiking and biking
- Fishing
- Bird watching
Tok RV Village Campground & Cabins was opened in 1986 by the Jernigans. Since then, it has run as a family business that strives to deliver the best to each visitor. Based in Tok by the Alaska Highway, it serves as an excellent place for a rest break while on the road.
Pop in downtown for a bite to eat or visit the surrounding areas that boast numerous opportunities for fishing, bird watching, hiking, and biking. Local fishing maps with directions and types of fish are available at the campground!
There are 162 RV sites, 127 of which are pull-through. There are also 11 tent sites with 20 amp power, concrete fire pits, and comfortable sawdust pads. For extra privacy, they are shaded by trees and greenery. Should you be looking for more luxury, you can accommodate in one of their fully-furnished cabins.
The prices start at USD$ 56.17 per RV site and USD$ 36.67 per tent site. Whereas the nightly rate for a cabin begins at USD$ 159.50.
Finger Lake State Recreation Site
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 240-9797
Address: 7287 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Nestled between the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, the Finger Lake State Recreation Site has become a popular retreat for both families and solo campers. There are 24 regular and 2 group-use campsites. Amenities include picnic areas, toilets, water, and a boat launch.
Finger Lake is an excellent spot for fishing, boating, paddleboards, and jet skis. You can canoe from the lake straight to Wasilla. There is also a beach with water access for you and the kids to dip in.
Note that the sites can be booked by reservation. However, some of them are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are allowed too.
Overnight rates begin at USD$ 25.
Heritage RV Park
SOUTHERN ALASKA
Phone: (907) 226-4500
Address: 3550 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Great location
- Wildlife viewing
- Fishing
Located right next to the Homer Spit on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Heritage RV Park features spectacular ocean views with various beach activities to engage in. Those include beachcombing, clamming, fishing, and eagle watching. You can frequently observe otters and seals too. For shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, you can visit the nearby Homer.
The park itself offers full hook-up sites with 20/30/50 amp service. Beachfront, Field, and Fishing Hole sites have campfire pits. Otherwise, you can make use of the provided BBQ grills and patio seating by the community building. There is also a café, rooftop deck, and a large seating area with a TV open for all guests.
The standard rate is USD$ 72 per night. Alaskan residents camp for USD$ 70 nightly 🙂
Riley Creek Campground
CENTRAL ALASKA
Phone: (800) 622-7275
Address: Denali Park Rd, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking
- Pet-friendly
Riley Creek Campground spreads just by the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve. Surrounded by nature, it provides a unique opportunity to spend a night in the wilderness while traveling through Central Alaska. Red squirrels and snowshoe hares are commonly seen in Riley. Whereas a moose or a bear can appear in the campground occasionally too.
The area offers several hiking trails as well as educational visitor centers. You can also take part in a variety of ranger talk programs.
With its 142 campsites, Riley Creek Campground is the largest one in the Denali region. The sites can accommodate both tents and RVs. Those can be up to 40 ft long.
There is also a designated walk-in area for primitive camping only where you won’t be bothered by vehicles. Note that those sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rates start at USD$ 17 per night per tent and USD$ 27 per vehicle. And in winter, camping is free!
Camping in Alaska FAQs:
The average price of an RV camping site in Alaska is between $20-80 USD depending on the amenities of the campground.
Wood-Tikchik State Park is the largest state park in Alaska with 1.6 million acres of lakes and forests.
Yes, in general tent or car camping is available all across Alaska state but there are some exceptions where camping is not allowed.
Conclusion
Have you found the best camping for yourself? Remember that summers bring warm and sunny days to Alaska, ideal for hiking and exploring the windy shoreline. So pack your bags, and let’s go hit the road!